Amazon Warns Customers of Active Cyber Attacks: Act Within 48 Hours

During the holiday shopping season, Amazon customers face an increased risk of cyber attacks. With millions at risk, experts are sounding alarms about rising phishing attempts and other security threats targeted at users of the platform. Darktrace, a cybersecurity firm, noted that the number of attacks has surged by over 620% in November and could rise another 20 to 30% by November 29.

Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape

Phishing attacks are a prevalent method utilized by cybercriminals to steal personal information. Will Glazier from Cequence Security emphasizes that these attackers exploit human psychology, especially during busy shopping periods. As excitement builds around holiday deals, individuals may overlook warning signs.

Key Statistics

• 80% of phishing attacks target the Amazon brand.
• Cyber attacks soared 620% in November 2023.
• Americans lost over $432 million to online fraud in 2024; the number could rise significantly in 2025.

Guardio’s research highlights that Black Friday has evolved into a prime hunting ground for cybercriminals, who leverage artificial intelligence to enhance the sophistication of their attacks. This trend makes traditional red flags for detecting scams obsolete.

Common Phishing Tactics

Cyber attacks often include urgent alerts about account issues. Customers may receive messages suggesting their Amazon account has been suspended or that they need to verify information immediately. These messages frequently contain links to fraudulent websites designed to capture user credentials.

Consumer Tips for Cyber Safety

• Be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming account issues.
• Verify the legitimacy of any links before clicking.
• Consider enabling passkeys for more secure sign-ins.

Amazon is actively combatting these impersonation scams. Their security measures include advising customers to enable passkeys for easier and safer account access. This feature allows users to log in using biometric methods or device PINs, providing an added layer of protection against credential theft.

Amazon’s Educational Initiatives

Amazon has begun sending customer notifications to warn about potential scams. As of early November, these messages were specifically aimed at U.S. customers, with UK users receiving them shortly after. Despite media interpretations, Amazon characterizes these outreach efforts as educational rather than alarming alerts.

Expert Opinions on Cybersecurity

Industry experts, including Nick France of Sectigo, stress that security is a shared responsibility. Consumers should remain vigilant while shopping, especially during high-traffic periods. With evolving technologies, cybercriminals continue to devise new strategies to exploit shoppers.

Ultimately, maintaining cybersecurity awareness can prevent individuals from falling victim to scams during the hectic holiday shopping season. By implementing simple preventive measures, customers can significantly enhance their online safety.